ABC, 16/6/2008

A Senate inquiry into the new code of conduct for political lobbyists has heard that some key players, like non-Government MPs, are not included.

The code is intended to ensure that people being paid as lobbyists always declare who they are acting for when they contact Government representatives.

But the inquiry has been told that major groups like trade unions or the grass-roots campaigners Get Up are not included.

Democrats Senator Andrew Murray says the code is flawed because it does not include people who lobby Senators who hold the balance of power in the Upper House.

"I have had carriage over the last 12 years of decisions which have affected tens of billions of dollars," he said.

"Holding a balance of power position, and for someone like me, not to be subject to a lobbyists code is just ridiculous - just ridiculous.

"[The] point you make that it should apply to all members and Senators not just Government, I think is well made."